Explanantory Memorandum to the Draft Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Public Bodies)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUMThis Explanatory Memorandum is laid before Parliament by Command of HerMajesty.GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AND ACCOUNTSACT 2000 (AUDIT OF PUBLIC BODIES) ORDER2004POWERSThe above instrument is made in exercise of powers conferred upon HM Treasury bysections 25(6), (7) and (10) of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. (This instrument replaces one that was laid on 24 May. That was withdrawn partlybecause it had no commencement date and partly because of a possible hybridproblem. The Order contained provisions for audit by the C&AG of ThurrockDevelopment Corporation. However, ODPM had laid draft Orders to create twofurther development corporations in the London Thames Gateway and WestNorthamptonshire. It was considered that we should await the Parliamentary processon these instruments before considering the audit arrangements for all three bodiestogether.)COMPATIBILITY WITH CONVENTION RIGHTSThe Financial Secretary to the Treasury states that, in her view, the provisions of theGovernment Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Public Bodies) Order 2004is compatible with the convention rights.REASON FOR THE ORDERSThe Government set out its policy on audit and access powers for the Comptroller andAuditor General (C&AG) in its response, published on 13 March 2002 (Cm 5456), toLord Sharman’s report “Audit and Accountability in Central Government”. 1The Government legislated for the C&AG to become the statutory auditor of ...